John Michael Danko Jr.

John was born in Graceton, a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Danko, his brother George "Sonny", and sister Beatrice. John is survived by his wife Marie of 68 years, whom he deeply loved and adored, their children; Andrea (Thomas) Koenig, and Michael (Wendy) Danko and their four grandsons; Martin and John Koenig, and Steven and Kyle Danko. He is also survived by his sister MaryAnn Espinosa and brothers William and Robert Danko, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. John was a Vietnam and Korean War Veteran, serving in the Airforce for 20 years. They enjoyed living in many different locations throughout the United States during his time in the military. John also served 5 years in remote locations throughout the world. He then went on to start Danko and Son Manufactured Home Service, Inc., in Lansing, Michigan (which has been successfully continued by his son Michael) before retiring in 2000. John loved golf (recently celebrating his first hole-in-one!), ushering for the Bradenton Marauders (an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates), feeding the fish and turtles in the backyard retention pond, tending to his fruit trees, watching football and baseball on T.V., and hanging out with his neighbor friends. John was especially proud to receive an invitation and participate in the Honor Flight in 2019, celebrating his service in the military. John also served on the Honor Guard for the Korean War Veterans. He was a member of the VFW, Moose Club, and Elks Club. He deeply loved his family and was never reluctant to share the pride he felt, especially for his grandsons.

John's family will have a Military graveside service at Sarasota National Cemetary at 10:30 AM on January 25th, on which would have been his 88th birthday. A celebration of life will be held following the service at the VFW Post 9226, 3511 12th Street East, Ellenton, FL 34222. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (heroes.vfw.org).